The two dengue experts from Cuba who were due to arrive in Sri Lanka at dawn yesterday did not show up due to a flight delay.
Dr. Aramis Martinez, a chief epidemiologist and Dr. Yalina, an assistant epidemiologist were due to arrive last night at the Katunayake airport where Cuban ambassador Ms. Nirsiyo Castro, Embassy officials and senior health officials were waiting at the VIP lounge.
The experts are to conduct a case study in Tangalle, Hambantota and Moneragala to decide whether the use of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) bacteria, a bio insecticide would be suitable for mosquito control in the country.
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Cuban Ambassador Ms. Nirsiyo Castro and Health Ministry's Director of Public Health Services leaving the VIP lounge of the Katunayake airport after it was known that the arrival for the Cuban experts would be delayed by several hours.
Pic by W.P.Weerawardane |
A Health Ministry official said that the bacteria was mostly used in reservoirs in Canada but in Sri Lanka mosquito breeding takes place mostly in small containers in which water is stored for day to day purposes.
He said that on the final day of their study the experts would have a discussion with the Health Ministry Secretary to decide whether Sri Lanka should import Bti or not.
Meanwhile our Kandy correspondent Shane Seneviratne reports that Central Province Health Services Director Dr. Shanthi Samarasinghe has said the Cuban bacteria Bti due to be imported to control the mosquito menace is impractical for use here.
She said her technical officers confirmed that it is not possible to implement the programme as the bacteria has to be administered every five days and its use in places where water collects in small quantities such as in drains and cemented drainage areas is rather difficult as compared to its use in large reservoir areas, which is much easier.
The Central Province recorded the highest number of deaths of 29 while 2475 cases were reported in the country.
During the first fortnight of July the number which contracted the epidemic stood at 155. Two of them had succumbed to the disease during the first two weeks in July.
The cleansing of probable breeding places is one of several preventive methods now undertaken by medical officials in the district, Dr. Samarasinghe said
She said that though residents of Gampola and Akurana where the spread is said to be rapid are being educated on preventive measures, their co-operation in the anti-dengue campaign was not appreciable.
Highlights
- Dengue cases being to rise from January - Reaches its peak in May and June with 156 deaths reported
- Local health authorities initiate legal action
- Health Ministry decides to import Bti bacteria from Cuba
- Total deaths by July 17- 180
- Total cases by July 17- 18,030
- Cuban experts arrival delayed
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